Incidence and Trends in Lower Extremity Amputations in the United States

CATEGORY: Trauma INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE: Currently there is minimal focus on traumatic lower extremity amputations due to their relatively low incidence, but they often come with a higher morbidity and mortality than its upper extremity counterparts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and trends of lower extremity amputations in the United States over a ten-year period. METHODS: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), was used for evaluation of lower extremity amputations that presented to the United States emergency departments. The overall incidence rate of lower extremity amputations within the United States was calculated as per 100,000 persons. After grouping mechanisms of injury, the data were stratified by both age groups and gender. Chi-square tests were used for direct comparisons of proportions. The five most common mechanisms were ranked for each age group and the most common overall age group for lower extremity amputations were determined using descriptive statistics. Trends for injury incidence and hospital admissions were evaluated using linear regression and Pearson correlation with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2017, 393 patients were reported to have sustained lower extremity amputations via the NIESS database with an estimated 11,475 patients sustaining a lower extremity amputation over the past ten years and an incidence of 2.2/100,000 person-years. The incidence of lower extremity amputations is highest in those less than five years old. Lawnmower incidents are the most common mechanism of injury in all age groups. CONCLUSION: Due to the high morbidity and mortality associated with these injuries, it is prudent to follow the trends in lower extremity amputations.